In Loving Memory Of
Arthur Newnham
Arthur Newnham, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019, at the QEII Hospital, at the age of 97 years.
Art was born in Shorwell, on the Isle of Wight, on September 24, 1921.
Art was a year old when his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Jarvie, AB, where they homesteaded. Growing up in Jarvie, Art was a natural athlete. He loved playing baseball. Playing for the Jarvie Giants, he was good enough that he was scouted to play pro ball.
When WWII broke out, Art enlisted with the Calgary Highlanders. As a Sergeant in the charge of artillery, Art served in France, Belgium, and Holland during the liberation of Europe. During the war, Art participated in track and field events, winning various medals. After the war he was invited to train for the 1948 Olympics.
In 1946, home from the war, Art married his childhood sweetheart, Claire Thornton, and they made their home in Jarvie. A highly resourceful and independent spirit, Art was always self-employed. At various times he worked as an Imperial Oil Agent, grain farmer, cattle buyer, and livestock hauler.
Art and Claire moved to Grande Prairie in 1968, where Art developed a partnership in “Double N Transport”, a livestock hauling business.
Art is dearly loved and greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His daughters: Patti (Bryan) Walhovd and Karen (Charles) Longmate; sons: Jerry (Linda) Newnham and Tom (Sharyn) Newnham; grandchildren: Brent (Laurie) Newnham, Tyler (Darlene) Newnham, Jordan (Madeline) Longmate, Colby (Ann) Longmate, Carson (Katrina) Longmate, Alexis Walhovd (Mads Thygesen), Scott Walhovd, Jay (Jody) Lavergne, Jeff (Julie) Lavergne; great-grandchildren: Ava, Marissa, Maya, Luke, Charlie, Claire, Ari, Anthea, Lyndon, Alexi, Naomi, and Harris.
Family and friends meant everything to Art. With his positive outlook on life, this tough, hardworking man was friendly to all and a positive influence on many within the larger community, as well as his closer circle of family and friends. Art gave back to his community as a Shriner and Legion member. He loved to dance, and he loved to socialize, always interested in and curious about the lives of others around him. The world is a better place for having known Art.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 2:00-5:00pm at Jeffrey’s Café Mill District (10645-West Side Dr. Grande Prairie).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arthur Newnham September 24 1921 July 5 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta